"Dr. Gianakos is perhaps the most ambitious, passionate, and supportive professional I have interacted with during my Physician Associate training at Yale. Dr. Gianakos hadn't even been officially working at Yale for a week when she first agreed to meet with me to discuss research topics for my PA program thesis, and yet she exuded an energy and excitement in helping me design my thesis that made you believe she had been advising PA students for years.

"My time as a student fellow at Yale New Haven Hospital, under the guidance of Dr. Arianna Gianakos in the Department of Orthopedics, Foot and Ankle, has been incredibly enlightening. I had the opportunity to develop not only my technical and physical skills but also my communication abilities, learning to prioritize the patient and focus on the person as a whole. Dr. Gianakos's leadership helped me feel like a valued member of the team from day one.

Dr. Gianakos is an exceptional surgeon, and those fortunate enough to work with her quickly come to appreciate this. What sets her apart is her remarkable ability to share her passion, positive energy, and deep love for the practice of medicine. For her, being a doctor is inherently intertwined with being a teacher.

On a personal level, she serves as a mentor both inside and outside the hospital, driven by a profound desire to make a meaningful contribution to medicine and leave a lasting legacy. I am deeply inspired by her example and motivated to push myself further in the pursuit of something equally impactful in this field."

-Michele Ganz 

Humanitas University School of Medicine (Milan)

"Working with Dr. Gianakos has been a highlight of my professional career. From our first meeting, she has been a driving force behind my career in orthopedics, offering invaluable opportunities for growth and supporting my development as a researcher. Her pioneering work in Foot and Ankle research and her advocacy for women in Orthopaedics, all while delivering outstanding patient care, never cease to amaze me. Dr. Gianakos has played a crucial role for me and other medical students following in her footsteps. I am truly privileged to consider her as a mentor, friend, and role model."

-Vanessa Boggiano, OMS III

Lincoln Memorial University | DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

"What began as a cold call quickly developed into an incredibly valuable mentorship. As a young women aspiring to go into orthopaedics, Dr. Gianakos represents all that I hope to become. She is a humble surgeon, a genuine mentor, and a dedicated teacher. She will give you her time and attention no matter who you are. She always recognizes another person’s hard work and makes her appreciation known. It doesn’t take long to see how much she is loved by her patients, colleagues, and students.

Dr. Gianakos has served as a constant reminder that no obstacle is unsurmountable and that boundaries are only what we perceive. When I was struggling to find research, Dr. Gianakos provided me with some of my first projects. Since then, she has continued to challenge me and provide me with opportunities that have facilitated my personal and professional growth. I could not be more grateful to have met Dr. Gianakos."

-Julia M. Balboni

University of New England | OMS-III

College of Osteopathic Medicine

“Dr. Gianakos has been an extraordinary mentor, providing me with the opportunity to pursue my passions for research and orthopaedics—something that once felt unattainable growing up in a rural area with limited access to research. Her unwavering support and guidance have been invaluable to my academic journey, and I am very grateful for her continued encouragement and inspiration.”

-Scott D. Semelsberger, BS, MS1

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

"I had the privilege of being one of Dr. Gianakos' research students. As I worked closely this summer with Dr. Gianakos, I was able to learn a great depth of anatomy while fostering my growth as a researcher.  Her dedication to mentorship extended beyond aspects of surgery and research, as well as provided me with valuable insight into specific professional responsibilities that are key to becoming a compassionate and effective physician. My time with Dr. Gianakos provided me with guidance that furthered my excitement for medicine more than ever, and I truly enjoyed my experience alongside her!"

-Jacqueline Adigwu 

Fordham University

"Under Dr. Gianakos, I work on systematic reviews and meta-analyses to advance the field. I have greatly enjoyed this experience as it has allowed me to both learn new skills and explore my interest in orthopedic surgery in a supportive environment."

-Anish Raju, MS1

Yale School of Medicine

"Dr. Gianakos has been instrumental in fostering my research and academic skill set, while also bolstering my confidence to pursue orthopaedic surgery as a specialty. Her investment in my growth is invaluable, consistently challenging me in all realms. I am incredibly grateful to have such a wonderful mentor who continuously innovates, leads by example, encourages me to pursue my interests, and serves as the ultimate role model for myself and those following in her footsteps."

- Hayden Hartman

Lincoln Memorial University | DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine

"As a research student, I had the honor of working with Dr. Gianakos. She was my supervisor during my time in New Haven. She helped me with my project by giving me insightful feedback and encouraging me to refine my ideas.  Also, she was able to give me a better understanding about the work an orthopedic surgeon does and help me improve my knowledge on foot and ankle anatomy.  As an extra, she did a great job at making me feel comfortable in a foreign country and took great interest in me. I had a great time with her and I am grateful I had her as my supervisor."

-Sjoerd van den Hengel

University of Amsterdam

"The weeks I spent shadowing Dr. Gianakos were an incredible privilege and had a lasting impact on me as a medical student. From our very first encounter, Dr. Gianakos made me feel welcome, always taking the time to answer my questions despite her demanding schedule. The compassion, care, and dedication she showed to her patients stayed with me as a constant source of inspiration throughout the rest of my rotations. Dr. Gianakos’ willingness to mentor me (and other students) reflects her genuine commitment to the growth and development of future physicians. She is undoubtedly one of the most hardworking surgeons I have had the honor of knowing."

-James Kim

Kansas City University